WITH the launch of the National Gender Equality and Empowerment Seal, Guyana has made a significant move to address a major issue in our national development.

The reality remains that Guyanese women are stuck with a labour force participation rate of just 40.27 percent, which is only about two-thirds of the global average.

They also face violence, discrimination, and various barriers that limit their economic potential.

This seal was created after extensive discussions with nearly 1,000 people across 37 sessions from 2021 to 2025. It represents a real change from mere words.

As Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud pointed out at Wednesday’s launch, “this is not merely a policy; it is an actionable programme with measurable indicators.”

This difference is important. Guyana has a history of gender-equality promises that have fallen flat due to a lack of real enforcement. The seal, with its annual awards system and workplace-certification requirements, aims to turn good intentions into accountability for companies.

It is particularly impactful because it openly documents failures in the workplace. Research from the ministry showed that women aged 20 to 30, who are in their peak working years, often face violence during this time.

Many women hold back from participating in the workforce because they fear losing their jobs if they seek protection orders or go to court over family issues. Immigrant workers, both men and women, experience ongoing sexual harassment and exploitation without proper support.

Child-care institutions penalise women who are just a few minutes late, while many workplaces lack even basic hygiene protections for men.

The key question now is whether organisations will genuinely pursue the seal as a means of real change, or whether it will just serve as another corporate badge—a bronze or silver plaque displayed in lobbies while toxic cultures continue behind the scenes.

If there are cases where compliance checks are inconsistent and accountability can vary, a poorly enforced gender seal might inadvertently validate workplace practices that only seem to improve.

The government, along with the private sector and civil society, must ensure thorough and transparent auditing.